James was born on August 9, 1938 in Potsdam, NY the son of John and Margaret

(LaClair) Watson. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1961-1963. Following discharge he started employment at S & L Electric in Massena. In 1966 he started at Reynolds Metals as a Crane Operator and retired in 2000. He married Patricia C. Christian on May 8, 1965 at St.

Josephs Church in Massena. Mrs. Watson predeceased him on October 30, 1991.

Surviving James are his children, Julianne and husband Marty Fowler of Massena and Mary Frances and husband John Ross of Massena, grandchildren, Katelyn, Christian, Kassidy, and Carlie. He was predeceased by his long time companion Joan Russell in July 2011. James was a member of the American Legion Post # 79, AmVets Post #4, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, Italian American Club, Knights of Columbus Council 1141. He competed in the two and four man bob sled competition in Lake Placid, NY with Paul King and won the National AAU Senior four man team in 1960. He enjoyed hunting and was a member of the Azure Mountain hunting club.

Memorial contributions may be made to Massena Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Friends and family may call on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Phillips Memorial Home in Massena. Joint services for the AmVets and American Legion will meet at the funeral home on Sunday, at 7:15. Christian Mass will be held on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 at 10:00 am at St. Josephs Church in Massena with Rev. Jack Downs presiding. Interment will be in the spring in Calvary Cemetery with full Military Honors.